Rwanda - Local government

Rwanda is divided into 12 prefectures, or provinces, which coincide with
former Belgian administrative divisions. The prefectures are supposed to
be administered by prefects appointed by the president. The former
subchiefdoms and extratribal divisions were reorganized into 143
communes or municipalities. The commune, the basic political and
administrative unit in Rwanda, is administered by an elected communal
council presided over by a mayor. Until recently, communes had limited
scope, however, decentralization has given local governments new powers
and authorities previously reserved for central government.